How to Use Essential Oils for PTSD Treatment

Do you or someone you know suffer from post traumatic stress disorder?

It may be more common than you think.

It is reported that 8% of Americans will develop post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, as it is commonly referred to, at some point in their lifetime. At any given time, approximately 5% of the population, are suffering from the disorder. That’s more than 13 million people.

In recent years, military troops returning from war zones have brought light to the potentially crippling repercussions caused by PTSD. But, they aren’t the only ones suffering. Many civilians are also diagnosed with PTSD, due to childhood trauma, assault, accidents, abuse or other potential causes.

The aftermath of traumatic events endured by these individuals can have devastating consequences. It can cause symptoms of anxiety, social isolation, depression, fear, night terrors, paranoia and more. In extreme cases, the individual can even exhibit violence due to their experiences, although professionals claim that this is more uncommon than other symptoms associated with the disorder.

PTSD also touches the lives of family and friends of those directly affected, who struggle to come to terms with their loved one’s diagnosis, and often feel helpless and overwhelmed by its dark shadow.

In the past, PTSD’s treatments have included therapy, reintegration practices, and medication. Although these methods are still commonly used with patients, a natural alternative is now being considered as a treatment option as well.

In recent years, the use of essential oils for PTSD has become an integral part of the discussion surrounding treatment. Essential oils can have many benefits for those who suffer from this and other common disorders and illnesses. They are naturally derived and safe for use by all ages.

If you are one of the millions of Americans affected by PTSD, either directly or indirectly, essential oils may be able to help. Read on to find out more!

Essential Oils for PTSD Offers You a Natural Treatment Option:

Essential oils are natural extracts from the flowers, bark, leaves or roots of plants.

Although the exact nature of how these oils affect us is still being investigated, they have been shown to effectively relieve stress, anxiety, pain, inflammation and other symptoms associated with PTSD. Their effect on the brain and our olfactory system has been shown to have numerous benefits.

When we are exposed to scent, scent receptors in the nose send chemical messages to the limbic system by way of the olfactory nerve. The brain’s limbic system is significant in how we cope with emotions, such as fear and anger. It also is important for processing memories.

There are hundreds of essential oils that are used for all kinds of things. In 2013, a study was conducted showing their impact on brain chemical production can affect both physical and mental health according to Medical Daily, a source supporting much of the information listed here.

Here are 6 of the most widely used essential oils for PTSD:

1. Lavender:

Lavender has been shown to kill pathogens in the air, sinuses and respiratory airways. It is helpful in combating nerves, depression, and insomnia. This oil produces a calming effect that has been proven to alleviate anxiety and stress, in addition to aiding sleep.

A 2009 study involving the effects of lavender on heart rate variation and anxiety of participants revealed that it produced an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety and anti-panic) response pattern.

2. Rose:

Research conducted in 2014 revealed that rose could diminish anxiety when used as an inhalant.

Rose oil is the second most popular essential oil used to treat anxiety and depression. It has been credited for treating grief, panic attacks, shock and more.

3. Chamomile:

Chamomile is used to treat anxiety, worry, irritability, depression and increase one’s feelings of peace and contentment. A 2012 study supports its antidepressive and anti-anxiety qualities. In addition to the oil being used as an inhalant, it has also been a highly recommended ingredient in lotions, tea, candles, room fresheners and other popular retail products.

4. Orange:

Scientists from George Washington University presented evidence at the 2017 annual American Psychological Association meeting which argued that orange oil can have a reverse effect on symptoms of PTSD, including fear and stress, based on their study of lab rats and mice.

Stress causes an increase in our body’s reactions shown to cause inflammation, in addition to nervousness and depression, associated with PTSD. The study illustrated a reduced production of cells within the immune system that are related to these stress-induced responses.

This and other notable essential oils for PTSD are significantly less expensive than most current treatments used by patients.

Further research is expected to be done in this area to expand current knowledge and future use of orange oil as a form of treatment.

5. Ylang Ylang:

Ylang Ylang is a combination of components, and it is known for its ability to boost mood and energy. The most common uses include anti-anxiety and anti-depression.

One study from 2006 found that when used regularly over a period of for weeks in combination with bergamot and lavender, two of the additional known essential oils for PTSD treatment, it was effective at lowering cortisol levels, blood pressure, and psychological stress.

6. Frankincense:

Frankincense is well known for its calming effect and has been a favorite aroma for thousands of years. Many are aware of this popular scent due to its reference as a gift to the baby Jesus, given by one of the three wise men, as described in the Bible.

While it has been used as a special aroma and remains a popular scent due to its pleasurable scent, it also has been shown to have an anti-anxiety effect. The calming properties can be effective when in just one massage using a small amount.

Conclusion:

Not only can you benefit from using essential oils for PTSD, there are additional positive ways that essential oils can be used.

They can help treat many ailments and disorders. They can also be used to enhance skin texture, calm a fussy baby and even repel insects! And, there are so many more ways to use them in addition to the ones stated here.

Most natural oils have a pleasant aroma on top of their many useful benefits. And since they aren’t chemical based, they are much safer than pharmaceuticals and other synthetically and chemically produced products.

Click here for information on how essential oils can be used to enhance your life and treat you and your loved ones naturally!